Google urges Nigeria to stimulate technology ecosystem

Search engine giant, Google, has said Nigeria should stimulate its technology ecosystem with adequate funding. The internet company said early stage funding is critical to stimulating the Nigerian technology startup ecosystem, and the government should this a top priority. Google in a report released in Abuja yesterday entitled Tech Entrepreneurship Ecosystems Research  Nigeria, said a […]

Search engine giant, Google, has said Nigeria should stimulate its technology ecosystem with adequate funding. The internet company said early stage funding is critical to stimulating the Nigerian technology startup ecosystem, and the government should this a top priority.

Google in a report released in Abuja yesterday entitled Tech Entrepreneurship Ecosystems Research  Nigeria, said a thriving digital economy required serious funding. Commissioned by Google, in collaboration with Ventures Platform and OC & C consultants, the research provides in-depth analysis of the key trends and challenges faced by local technology entrepreneurs, and suggests policy recommendations for addressing these.  

At the launch of the report,  the minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar, commended the research, and noted that it is critical for innovation and developing new policies.  

She said, “We see the creativity and ingenuity of our Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and believe that with the right enabling environment they can thrive and prosper. Operating optimally, MSMEs can effectively utilize our local raw materials, generate employment, encourage rural development and stimulate entrepreneurship, thereby creating wealth.  

‘’The importance of research into the tech entrepreneurship ecosystem cannot be over-emphasized as it will provide policymakers with the tools to manage and leverage digital disruption.’’  

Also speaking at the launch, Titi Akinsanmi, Google Policy and Government Relations Lead, noted that, “A thriving digital economy is good for everyone, including Google. 

While the technology ecosystem in Nigeria is fast gaining momentum, local technology start-ups struggle with scaling-up their work due to social and policy structures. Providing informed, independent research like this helps to educate stakeholders on the challenges and how they can be addressed.”